How do I discipline? When I’m asked this question, I wonder if the person asking is feeling desperate with behaviors going on in their own families, and I wonder if they’re hoping for a label: “I use such-and-such patented foolproof parenting solution!”

When I’m asked this question, though, I need to know more. What kind of situation? What age? How do you define “discipline”?

We use positive/gentle discipline, but it rarely mirrors the “discipline” many people seem to expect to see… we focus on proactive connectedness and playfulness, lots and lots of listening, talking through situations and working together as a family to solve problems, setting and maintaining loving boundaries, and modeling how to calm down when our emotions are beginning to overwhelm us.

What guides your parenting choices?

I'm Lori Ann, a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator who is passionate about empowering families and connecting with my own children. I blog at Beyond Peekaboo and teach parenting classes and workshops in Oklahoma City. My favorite topic is playful parenting, and I love coming up with new games and activities to help parents and children connect!